Tag: family

Easter exploring

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The days are getting longer, the theme parks are re-opening and warmer weather is hopefully on the way, making it a great time of year to get exploring. Plus, with the Easter holidays just around the corner too, adventure most certainly awaits.

From World Book Day and lambing season to British Science Week and even Winnie the Pooh, here’s our guide to the best in children’s entertainment and things to do in March:

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

With World Book Day taking place on 1st March, this month is the perfect time to reignite your kids love of books, and where better place to start than the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre?

Situated in the village that the famous author lived in and wrote for 36 years, you can explore 40 interactive displays bringing his enchanting stories to life. On selected dates this month, kids can make heads for Hornswogglers, create Boggled Box Beasts and fly a Kicksy Kite – it’s a truly gloriumptious day out for the whole family.

Tim Peak’s Spacecraft at Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Rewind back to June 2016 and you might just remember Tim Peake returning back to Earth following his space mission, and now you can see his space capsule up close at the Museum of Science and Industry! Landing in Manchester on 10th March, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the Soyuz TMA-19M, complete with scorch marks from its re-entry through the atmosphere. With 15-minute presentations, every weekend, the out of this world adventure takes place here until 13th May, before continuing its tour.

Lambing season at Umberslade Farm Park, Warwickshire

Head to your local farm park this month, and chances are you’ll come face to face with some very cute newborn animals, and Umberslade Farm Park is certainly the place to do just that. Kids can meet the new lambs and even have the chance to help with the bottle-feeds. As a real working farm, there’s always something new and exciting to see too, and don’t miss the tractor and trailer ride for a fun tour of the site.

Winnie the Pooh Exhibition at the V&A Museum, London

There’s a new playful exhibition in London, as the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh until 8th Discover the story behind the charming bear, with sketches, letters, photographs and more exploring the classic tales. Whether you’re bringing a young child who may be experiencing Winnie the Pooh for the first time, or you remember growing up with the books, there’s something to entertain all ages. And in the very wise words of Winnie the Pooh, “we didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun”. 

Every parent shouts at times

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Shouting does not make a someone a terrible parent.  I bet that most people shout because they are good parents.

You see good parents try. They want to do better. They have expectations for their kids.  They get frustrated when their children don’t live up to those expectations.

They are worn down because they work all day to take care of their families.  They try hard to make sure that their children have everything that they need.

They feel bad that they can’t do enough, or that they just aren’t enough for their children.

So it’s not surprising that we lose it every once in a while.

Bad parents don’t feel those things.  Bad parents don’t try.  Bad parents don’t feel the guilt.  They don’t get run down trying to do it all.

Because we are good parents, we work so hard and feel so much guilt and frustration that we get

overwhelmed frustrated and angry.

Good parents feel so many emotions, including anger, and bad parents don’t.

I Am Permanently Damaging My Children?

Oh the guilt of shouting can be so heavy. We know it’s not good for our kids, and there are articles after articles online telling us so.

In every healthy relationship there’s a balance between positive moments and negative moments.  There have been studies and they show that for every negative moment, we need five positive interactions to keep the relationship healthy and in balance. These studies were done with couples, but have been applied to the parent/child relationship as well.

Positive interactions can be small, a smile, a touch, small gestures.  I bet you do a lot of those small gestures with your children throughout the day.

We are all going to get angry and do things that we aren’t so proud of, it’s how we make up for those things that count.

The trick is to keep things in balance.  If you feel like you need help with this, check out myth #5 below.

  • Don’t believe these myths about shouting.
  • You ARE a good parent.
  • You are NOT permanently damaging your children.
  • You are NOT the only one who shouts.
  • You CAN stop shouting.
  • But you might shout again, and that’s okay.

Shopping with your kids

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As you’re shopping let your kids help you pick out fruit and veggies in the produce department, have fun counting the number of apples they add to the bag, the different colours of peppers to choose from, and the funny names of the melons.

Before going into the store tell your kids exactly what you expect from them.

Expect that they:

  • will stay nearby and not run through the store
  • will try to be aware of other people and not get in their way
  • will not throw a fit if they don’t get something
  • will be helpful and participate in the process.
  • Before we step foot in the store, remind them of my expectations.

Make A List

Go armed in the supermarket with clipboards, paper, and pencils, ready to check off each and everything on your lists.

  • Giving them a fun tasks keeps them engaged in the shopping experience.
  • Make Kids Your Helper
  • Continually engaging the children in the shopping process.

Not only does this keep them from getting bored and restless, it also teaches them how to shop.

If you use these new tools, most of the time you will actually enjoy your shopping trips together.  It’s not always perfect and there will be times when you have a rough day, but that’s life?

Days out to LEGOLAND

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Situated right on the edge of the theme park next to the existing LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel, the new Castle Hotel will have 61 magical rooms. Families can choose between two imaginatively themed room types – Knights and Wizards – and enjoy the leisure and entertainment facilities at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel plus special benefits including early entry to the park, free refillable drink vessels, unique LEGO gifts and collectables.

Colourful LEGO touches and models large and small will feature throughout from the hotel’s astonishing lobby dominated by a giant LEGO Wizard unleashing LEGO magic from his wand, to the à la carte Tournament Tavern Restaurant, indoor Play area and outdoor Playground.

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has formally invited the mini monarchs and their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to lend their royal seal of approval by staying at the premium castle-themed family hotel.

There are plenty of other websites offering great deals for LEGOLAND short breaks. Some offer 1 day free.  Your family will certainly enjoy LEGOLAND as there is something for everyone to enjoy…

Days out by rail

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To help out with ideas for parents, Family & Friends Railcard, which saves a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fares, has compiled five quick and easy ideas to make the most of the Easter break.

Museums

When the weather offers blustery winds and rainy skies, why not spend the day exploring a museum. Liverpool’s World Museum is one that will excite both the kids and adults with rocket rides through space and journey’s to the bottom of the sea.

Blackpool Illuminations

Stuck with what to do with your weekend? Plan a day trip to Blackpool and watch the flamboyant Blackpool Illuminations dazzle and light up the entire promenade for spectacular views, which the whole family can enjoy.

Family & Friends Railcard

For just £30 a year, the Family & Friends Railcard provides a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids fares. On average, Railcard users save £130 annually, making it worth over four times as much as it costs. Plus, in addition to saving on travel costs, the Family & Friends Railcard offers discounts on theatre tickets and days out.

Forests

Want to relax and enjoy the crackling of red and gold leaves rustling beneath your feet? The UK has a wealth of forests and woodlands. Just an hour and a half from London the New Forest is a fantastic family friendly option that won’t break the bank.

Theatre

From the best of Disney to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the West End offers something for everyone. It’s a step up from your local theatre, offering faultless timing in dance moves and incredible voices – a perfect way to spend a chilly autumn evening. You can even get up to 60% off theatre tickets with your Railcard.

Hit the slopes

Start the ski season early by heading to one of the UK’s indoor slopes. From family ski sessions to sledging and snowboarding there’s loads on offer for families of all ages. Based in Hemel Hempstead, The Snow Centre is Britain’s newest indoor ski centre and caters for kids as young as four.

 

Ski with your kids

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Parents with young children can enjoy guilt-free skiing while kids have lots of fun in dedicated playrooms and out in the snow.

Until now parents with young kids have had to sacrifice their winter holidays or feel guilty about leaving their young ones at home.  Tots To Travel have responded to the gap in the market and come up with a solution that will also allow for families to invest in future family ski holidays too.

Hand selected by Tots to Travel, all child-friendly ski chalets and resorts have dedicated childcare, specially-designed chalets with high-quality catering, as well as the Tots To Travel Baby and Toddler

Essential Kit Guarantee.

What a Tots To Travel ski holiday includes:

  • À la carte childcare in your own chalet (additional cost)
  • Flights and transfers
  • Daily filling breakfast
  • Homemade purees and Hipp Organic baby food for babies and toddlers
  • Afternoon tea, coffee and cakes when you return from the slopes
  • Children’s two-course High Tea seven nights a week
  • Aperitif with canapés, six nights a week
  • A delicious three-course meal for adults, including wine, six nights a week

Seasoned skiers will know that a ski holiday is a little different to other holidays. However, a lot of parents may feel that they become inaccessible with little ones. Tots To Travel, craft family holidays by parents for parents. We understand that parents of young families need a holiday to get quality family time and to reconnect.

About Tots To Travel:

Tots To Travel’s mission is to select the very best and most suitable baby and toddler friendly and resort accommodation, then craft an experience that is exclusively available for Tots To Travel families.

This experience includes barrier pools, an Essential Kit Guarantee and outstanding levels of customer service, giving families the very best chance of a blissful  fun family holiday.

Thomas Land at Drayton Manor

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Europe’s only Thomas Land attraction is welcoming a brand new ride this season to mark further expansion to the thriving attraction at Drayton Manor Park, Staffordshire.

James and the Red Balloon, set to delight kids, is based on the beloved Thomas and Friends character James and his naughty antics with a red hot air balloon. James will be joining the 20 other fun rides and attractions based on the popular series. Families can experience the magic of Sodor like never before as they fly up, up and away in their very own balloon.

The £250,000 ride, made by Italian manufacturer Zamperla, takes visitors on an adventure onwards and upwards to the lofty heights of 1.5 metres with a maximum speed of 5.5 RPM, a perfect ride for the whole family to enjoy. Families will get to enjoy extensive views of the park from the ride’s highest points, the perfect opportunity to plan which ride is next!

The successful multi-million pound Thomas Land was launched in 2008 and recently underwent a £2.5 million expansion, cementing its status in the hearts of UK families. The well themed attraction ensures visitors of any age are immersed in Thomas and Friends fun from the moment they step in the gates.

For those who want to plan a Thomas filled staycation, the Drayton Manor Park Hotel also extends the fun from Thomas Land into its halls with special themed rooms and a ‘Stay and Play’ package, perfect for those young and old locomotive enthusiasts!

James is the ideal ride. Fun for the whole family to enjoy and will act as a great stepping stone for those little ones looking for their next, thrilling experience and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors once we open for the season.

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit Drayton Manor. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought in advance.

A Square World

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Full House Theatre will stage dance theatre performance: A Square World this February for school children and families – for free.

A Square World is an honest, touching and quirky story of three friends and what happens when an unexpected change leaves one of them left out in the cold.

Together they decide to redefine the rules of the square world in which they live and soon discover their lives won’t be square ever again! This non-verbal story uses simple design and object manipulation to create an imaginative world where anything can happen.

This endearing and funny performance looks at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone else but yourself.

A Square Worlds has been funded by Arts Council England through the strategic touring project From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones, headed up by Full house Theatre in partnership with Luton Culture. The project aims to enable more school children, young people and their families to see more quality family theatre in venues across the UK – including The Civic, Barnsley. Selected Barnsley schools will also be given the opportunity to have the piece performed in their school halls.

The Civic, Barnsley are offering Barnsley families the opportunity to see this high quality, fun and entertaining dance performance for free in Barnsley Central library on 15th February at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Barnsley will be the first stop in a wider UK community tour that will move on to Leighton Buzzard and Thurrock before touring schools throughout Bedfordshire with schools performances also scheduled for Bury St Edmunds, Barnsley and Thurrock.

Winter fun

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A winter weekend doesn’t need to be boring.  There are always some fun things to do with children, bowling, castles and crafts, there’s so much to explore!!

1.Find Wonderfully Wintery Spiderwebs

Go outdoors and find a frosty spiders web… then have a go at making your own using PVA glue and silver glitter!

2. Make Your Own Puppet Show

Why not have a go at making your very own puppet theatre? Better yet, use up your leftover Christmas cardboard to get super crafty and creative!

3. Make a Bird Feeder

Create a bird feeder using an empty yoghurt pot, lard and birdseed, and then take pictures of the birds as they feed in your garden!

4. Make Your Own Puzzle

Create your own puzzles for some family fun! Stick a family photo, or a child drawn picture, to card and cut it into shapes.

5. Go Bowling

As  a much loved and traditional family activity, bowling is the perfect place for some lighthearted competitive fun!

6. Explore a Castle

Go to a castle and be a knight. Don’t forget to make a shield out of card and foil before you go!

7. Create Shell Pictures

Collect shells and create fun pictures on the beach, or in the forest with stones and twigs!

Places to eat with kids

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Hangar Number 4, Warrington

This restaurant is all aviation themed! It’s actually located inside an old railway arch and has part of a plane inside! Your food is delivered on an airline trolley and kids meals are even served on airline trays. We hear that the food is really tasty!

Rainforest Café, London

Enjoy a meal at this restaurant surrounded by the rainforest and some really wild creatures. The sights and sounds of the rainforest make you feel as if you’re in the Amazon -there’s moving animatronic animals, waterfalls and the occasional thunderstorm! You can tuck into a huge range of international cuisine.

Inamo, London

At this Japanese themed restaurant you can order your food from the interactive menu that’s projected onto your table! Kids can enjoy a delicious bento box and during the summer holidays there are sushi making classes that they can join

The Library Restaurant, Norwich

This superb restaurant is located in Norwich old library. The dramatic interior has booked lined walls, lots of original features and lots of squishy sofas. You can enjoy a feast of brasserie style meals, whilst admiring the beautiful surroundings

Ed’s Diner, Countrywide

Experience what American diners would have been like in the 1950s in one of these funky restaurants. Settle yourselves into one of the booths and enjoy the retro atmosphere, complete with the 1950’s music playing from a jukebox. Pick from a range of retro burger kids meals and wash them down with a milkshake made with real ice cream.